Sunday’s final promises to be a landmark match for players from Spain and England, yet it carries extra weight for two individuals: Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze. The two teammates will confront nine friends and colleagues on the opposing side, turning the duel into a personal clash as well as a high-stakes championship showdown. The game stands as one of the most important moments in their careers, a test of nerves, skill, and leadership under peak pressure.
Relating to
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- Teresa Abelleira, the world that dreams of goals collapses into sightlines of greatness
- Asturian Montse Tomé, assistant to Vilda in the Spanish women’s team: “We never give up”
“It will feel strange at first,” admits the midfielder, who faced a knee issue that caused concern during the second group game against Denmark. Before the tournament began, the players had joked about meeting in the final, but few could have imagined this outcome. There is genuine excitement and a sense of shared destiny expressed in the messages exchanged before each match, where luck and luck alone sometimes decide whether they’ll be sparring partners or rivals on the field.
Walsh anticipated that coach Sarina Wiegman would seek her input, both from Walsh and from Lucy Bronze. “The Barça squad members are remarkable, and no matter what I say to the coach or the rest of the team, they will still discover something different because they are incredibly special,” Walsh notes.
Admiration for Aitana and Salma
Walsh holds great admiration for Aitana Bonmatí, describing her as a brilliant player who is difficult to face in any match. “He’s a top competitor and I measure myself against him daily in training; that rivalry raises my level. He’s also a good friend, but the competitive edge will win out once the whistle blows.” Bronze echoes a similar sentiment about Salma Paralluelo, highlighting the positive energy she brings and the enjoyable routines they share. “I love being around Salma; she’s a fantastic teammate and a genuinely upbeat person. We do engaging workouts every day.”
Both Walsh and Bronze are acutely aware of what Spain can achieve and how to counter a team that has emerged as a surprise contender. “They like to dictate the pace of the game, but our squad can control possession or play with intensity without it. We have strength across the bench, the ability to score from set pieces, and danger on the counter attack.” They finish with a shared sentiment: “We’re in the final—this is unbelievable.”